Review Of City Foster Diploma Programs Promised

WBAL's Steve Fermier reports on the latest developments in the granting of diplomas by what some are calling an out-of-state "diploma mill." Download This File

The city's top social services department official wants to review policies in light of revelations that foster children were granted diplomas after a one-day program

The director of Baltimore's social services department is promising a review of alternative programs following revelations about a so-called diploma mill for foster kids.

A statement from the head of the agency speaks of a review of policies that led to the granting of high school diplomas by a privately run Christian school in Philadelphia to dozens of foster children.

The Sun reported that Molly McGrath Tierney also said that her department remains committed to providing an array of options.

Eighty children under the department's care were bussed to Crooked Places Made Straight school earlier this year and received diplomas in a one day program.

It cost the city$40,000.

The mayor also issued a statement that suggests support for the alternative program approach and a need to get rid of programs that don't work, The Sun reported.

Critics have charged that the diplomas give the recipients a false sense of achievement that might not hold up as they move into post secondary education.